The Virginian is a western-themed television series which aired on NBC from 1962 to 1971 for a total of 249 episodes. It was the first western to air in 90-minute installments each week (75 minutes excluding commercial breaks). Two other westerns later followed the same 90-minute format later in the 1960s, Wagon Train and Cimarron Strip, each of those, however, lasting for only a single season. The show differed from Wagon Train in that it was filmed in the color format from its inception. Loosely based on the Owen Wister novel, the series revolved around a foreman, played by James Drury, who went by the name The Virginian; his real name was never revealed in the nine years the show was on the air. The series took place in Medicine Bow, Wyoming, and revolved around The Virginian's quest to maintain an orderly lifestyle for the ranch he worked on, which was called Shiloh Ranch. Other key characters included Trampas (played by Doug McClure) and Steve Hill (played by Gary Clarke). The main horse on the show was named Joe D. As the show progressed, Trampas became the more recognizable of the characters, and continues to be the role for which actor Doug McClure is best known. The ranch had four owners throughout its run: Judge Garth (played by Lee J. Cobb), the Grainger brothers (played by Charles Bickford and John McIntire) and Colonel Alan McKenzie (played by Stewart Granger; the Graingers were replaced by a Granger who didn't play a Grainger). The theme song was titled "Lonesome Tree" and was written by Percy Faith and conducted by Revue musical director, Stanley Wilson.
What an amazing DVD Set for The Virginian Fan!
All 249 Uncut Episodes - 9 Seasons on 45 DVDS
